About Jamelle
Dr. Jamelle McKenzie is a dedicated public servant, community leader, author, educator, and humanitarian who currently serves as the Ward 1 Councilmember for the City of College Park, Georgia. In November 2023, she made history as the first African American and first woman elected to represent Ward 1, winning her election by just 12 votes. In January 2025, she was unanimously selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor Pro Tem, becoming the first African American and first woman from Ward 1 to hold that position.
A lifelong advocate for community empowerment and civic engagement, Dr. McKenzie has devoted more than four decades to ministry, leadership development, education, and public service. She is the Founder and CEO of Adullam Ministries, President of the S.A.L.T. Foundation, and Apostolic Leader of Kingdom Carriers International Church. Her extensive professional background includes service as a national marketing director, retail buyer, educator, nonprofit executive, and community organizer.
Dr. McKenzie is the founder of several impactful College Park initiatives, including the Youth Civic Advisory Board, the Summer Youth Leadership Academy, Community THRIVE, Business Connect, Wise & Well Senior Programming, and numerous community beautification and public art projects. Her leadership has focused on youth development, economic growth, historic preservation, public safety, community wellness, and neighborhood revitalization.
An accomplished author, Dr. McKenzie recently released her memoir, 12 Votes, an inspiring account of perseverance, purpose, faith, and public service that chronicles her historic election victory and the lessons learned throughout her leadership journey. The book serves as a testament to the power of civic participation and the importance of every vote.
Dr. McKenzie is a graduate of the 2024 Atlanta Regional Commission Regional Leadership Institute, a prestigious program that develops regional leaders committed to addressing the opportunities and challenges facing metropolitan Atlanta. She has also participated in numerous leadership and policy forums, including the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference and City Summit.
In August 2025, Dr. McKenzie received a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanitarianism in recognition of her lifelong commitment to service and community impact. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Georgia Good Citizen Award and recognition as one of Georgia’s Women Making History.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. McKenzie is the daughter of Dr. James Spencer, an oral surgeon, and Joyce Spencer, an educator. She is married to Captain Geoffrey McKenzie, and together they are proud parents of their son, Reginald.
Whether serving in elected office, mentoring young leaders, advocating for residents, or building partnerships that strengthen communities, Dr. McKenzie remains committed to her belief that effective leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and a genuine love for people.
Chaplain McKenzie
As founder and director of the College Park Chaplaincy Corps, Jamelle worked directly with the Community Policing Division to coordinate and deliver services to Ward 1 as well as the entire city of College Park. Her passion and dedication to ensuring that our police services had funding and updated relevant technology led her to advocate for salary increases as well as grants for federal funds on behalf of the department. These efforts led to a 20% raise for our police personnel as well as a $373K grant for ballistics technology supported by Senator Jon Ossoff. Jamelle continues to advocate for her community and public safety.
Senior Advocate
Jamelle has been a champion and an advocate for our senior community in College Park, She supported legislation to exempt all College Park Seniors from property taxes and rollback the millage rate every year that she has served on council. She continues to support and embrace our seniors through her Community THRIVE Givebacks, Senior SPRINGO, quarterly senior programming and her partnerships with national and community organizations and elected officials in neighboring municipalities to connect seniors to vital resources and services.